The Mandaue City Council has approved on final reading an ordinance granting a ?1,000 monthly honorarium to all Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) desk officers across the city’s barangays.
Authored by Councilors Jennifer del Mar and Joel Seno, the measure aims to recognize the crucial role of VAWC desk officers as frontline responders to cases of abuse and violence against women and children.
Del Mar said the honorarium is a welcome development, noting that the ordinance will take effect 60 days after its approval.
Currently, all 27 barangays in Mandaue City have designated VAWC desk officers. Del Mar revealed that many of them often spend their own money to help victims who need immediate assistance.
‘As chairperson of the Committee on Women and Children, I can say this honorarium is long overdue,’ she said.
‘Laliman ka nga magdala sila og bata adto sa hospital kaugalingon nilang kwarta ang ilang gigamit pang plete, pagpalit og diaper, ug pangkaon,’ she said, noting that VAWC officers truly deserve the monthly honorarium.
Under the ordinance, each duly designated Barangay VAWC desk officer will receive a ?1,000 monthly honorarium, on top of any existing salary or allowance, subject to the availability of funds.
The amount will be sourced primarily from the City’s Gender and Development Fund or other lawful funding sources, in compliance with existing budgeting and auditing rules.
The City Council cited that VAWC desk officers perform extensive and emotionally-demanding duties, including assisting victims in securing Barangay Protection Orders, facilitating access to legal, medical, and psychosocial services, and coordinating with agencies and organizations for case referrals and interventions.
‘The functions of our VAWC desk officers are not only technical but also highly sensitive. They serve as the first line of defense for victims of abuse, and this modest compensation recognizes their dedication and compassion,’ the ordinance stated.
The ordinance was endorsed by the Local Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children, which passed a resolution on August 22, 2025, recommending the grant of an honorarium to sustain the officers’ motivation and improve service delivery.
Once signed by the mayor, the ordinance will take effect within 60 days after publication, in accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991.
Del Mar added that while the ?1,000 monthly honorarium may not be much, it’s a good first step.
The council added the recently-approved ?1,000 monthly honorarium for barangay VAWC desk officers is only the beginning, as the city plans to gradually work on granting them a higher allowance in the future.